Red Sox make Yanks pay for early mistake

The Red Sox ousted the Yankees in the first game of a four-game series, 6-3, behind 7-1/3 strong innings from Clay Buchholz. Javier Vazquez took the loss, his first since June 30.

Best of All: Robinson Cano notched his 12th game with three hits or more this season. Unfortunately, the hitters behind him combined to go 1-for-16.

The bullpen continued to shut down opponents. Joba Chamberlain, Kerry Wood, Boone Logan and Chad Gaudin pitched 3-2/3 scoreless innings in relief of Vazquez.

Mark Teixeira added his 24th homer of the year in the first inning to give the Yankees their only lead of the game.

Worst of All: Francisco Cervelli’s error in the second accounted for three unearned runs charged to Vazquez. Vazquez’s night ended in the sixth when he allowed a two-run homer to Ryan Kalish and then a walk to Jed Lowrie.

Jonathan Papelbon nailed down the save in the ninth despite an awful track record against the Yanks this season. Derek Jeter worked a walk on 12 pitches with two out, but Nick Swisher flied to left to end it.

Coming Up: The Yankees try to even up the series Saturday at 4 p.m. with CC Sabathia on the mound.